Videos

Video by Senior Master Sgt. Christian Pagnard

America the Beautiful

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Aug. 11, 2020 | 1:51

One of our nation’s most beloved patriotic American songs, “America the Beautiful” is a staple in the USAF Band performance repertoire.

This version, brought to you today by an inter-service saxophone quartet, is a modern arrangement by one of the USAF Band’s own, Senior Master Sgt. (ret.) Bob Thurston.

The lyrics to “America the Beautiful” were written in 1893 by college professor and scholar, Katharine Lee Bates. She wrote, "One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse."

Inspired by the beauty of Pikes Peak, Bates wrote the now iconic lyrics to Samuel Ward’s tune, “America the Beautiful”.
Today, on what would have been Katharine Lee Bates 161st birthday, we pay tribute to her artistry and this great nation in which we live.

Video Credits:
Col Don Schofield - Executive Producer
Master Sgt. Ricky Parrell - Producer
Master Sgt. Emily Wellington - Video Editor
Master Sgt. Mike Hampf - Audio Editor

Musicians:
Soprano sax - Master Sergeant Steve Temme - “The President's Own” Marine Band, Washington D.C.
Alto sax - Chief Musician Jonathan Yanik - The United States Navy Band, Washington D.C.
Tenor sax - Staff Sergeant Doug O’Connor - The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Washington D.C.
Baritone sax - Master Sergeant Ricky Parrell - The United States Air Force Band, Washington D.C.

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